Objective: Solve 5b - 4 / 3 = 5b + 7 for b.
First, multiply both sides by 3 to cancel out the denominator on the left side.
3(5b - 4 / 3 = 3(5b + 7)
5b - 4 = 15b + 21
Then group like terms by subtracting 15b from both sides and adding 4 to both sides.
5b - 4 = 15b + 21
5b - 4 - 15b = 21
5b - 15b = 21 + 4
Now combine like terms.
5b - 15b = 21 + 4
-10b = 25
Lastly, divide both sides by -10 to isolate b.
-10b = 25
b = - 5/2
Answer:
D. -2.5